Ateloglossia is a term that refers to a congenital condition in which an individual is born with a tongue that is abnormally short. The spelling of this word is derived from the Greek roots "atelos," which means "imperfect" or "incomplete," and "glossa," which means "tongue." To determine the pronunciation of ateloglossia, we can use the IPA phonetic transcription, which would be /ætɛloʊˈɡlɒsiə/. This indicates that the emphasis is on the second syllable, and the "o" sound is pronounced like "oh."
Ateloglossia refers to a rare medical condition characterized by the incomplete development or absence of the bridle, also known as the lingual frenulum, in the mouth. The lingual frenulum is a thin band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In individuals with ateloglossia, the bridle may be abnormally short, thick, or completely absent, resulting in limited mobility and function of the tongue.
Common symptoms of ateloglossia include difficulties with speech, swallowing, and proper tongue movements. Affected individuals may experience difficulties pronouncing certain sounds or letters, such as "t," "d," or "l." The restricted movement of the tongue may also interfere with normal chewing and swallowing processes.
The etiology of ateloglossia is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a congenital condition that occurs during fetal development. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in its occurrence.
Treatment for ateloglossia typically involves surgical intervention, where a frenuloplasty or frenectomy is performed to release or remove the restrictive frenulum tissue. Speech therapy may also be recommended to help individuals overcome speech difficulties and regain proper tongue movement. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent complications related to speech, feeding, and overall oral health.
Overall, ateloglossia is a rare condition affecting the lingual frenulum, resulting in restricted tongue movement and potential difficulties with speech and swallowing.
Imperfect development of the tongue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ateloglossia" is derived from two Greek roots: "ateles" and "glossa".
- "Ateles" (ἄτελης) means "imperfect" or "incomplete" in Greek.
- "Glossa" (γλῶσσα) refers to the tongue.
Combining these two roots, "ateloglossia" can be understood as a condition or state of having an imperfect or incomplete tongue. It is a term used in medicine and dentistry to describe a condition known as "tongue-tie" or "ankyloglossia", where the tongue's range of motion is restricted due to an abnormally short lingual frenulum (the membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth).